PhD Studentship: Tackling Health Inequalities in Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation

The Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a full-time PhD Studentship in Health Services Management, commencing on 1 January 2027 (or September 2027).

Funding and Eligibility

The Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded, full-time PhD studentship in Health Services Management. The studentship is only available to candidates eligible for Home student status. Applicants should check their eligibility before applying and clearly confirm their eligibility in their CV and personal statement.

Due to funding requirements and project timelines, only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and can start on the specified date will be considered. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.

Project Overview

This PhD will investigate how to understand and address health inequalities in orthopaedics and rehabilitation. The research will explore how factors including socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, age, sex, geography, language, and healthcare access influence care pathways, rehabilitation experiences, and patient outcomes.

Research Approach

The project will use a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding of inequalities across orthopaedic and rehabilitation services.

Potential methods may include:

• Evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses
• Analysis of routinely collected health data, observational datasets, or patient-reported outcomes
• Qualitative research, such as interviews or focus groups with patients, clinicians, carers, and community stakeholders, to explore barriers, facilitators, and lived experiences of care

This PhD would suit applicants with an interest in:

• Musculoskeletal health
• Rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics
• Public health
• Health services research
• Implementation science
• Experience in quantitative, qualitative, or evidence synthesis methods would be desirable, although training and support will be provided throughout the programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
• Post-qualification experience, including professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, will also be taken into account when considering applicants

Application Documents:

Please submit the following documents:

• A 1-page research proposal
• A 2-page CV, including the contact details of two referees
• A 1-page personal statement
• Copies of your degree certificates

Please clearly state in your CV and/or personal statement that you qualify as a home student and are eligible for the studentship. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be shortlisted. Previous applicants need not apply.

Please email your applicant number to Julia Gauly (j.t.gauly@bham.ac.uk).

How to apply:

To apply, please use the link above and select "Apply".

You will then be taken to the application portal, where you should choose:

"PhD in Health Services Management Centre – Full-time (4 years), Birmingham, 2026" and click "Apply".

Although the advertised studentship is funded for three years, this is the correct application route.

The University of Birmingham's application system lists the programme as a four-year full-time PhD, so please select this option when submitting your application.

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/health-services-management-courses/phdmphil-health-services-management

Supervisory Team:

• Dr Julia Gauly
• Dr Michael Mansfield
• Dr Gareth Stephens

Funding notes:

The award is only eligible candidates qualifying as UK/home students:

• Fees: £5,238 (FT rate for home applicants)
• Stipend: £21,805 (current rate for 26-27)